- Must visit
McLean County Museum of History
Outstanding local history museum in a restored courthouse annex, featuring Abraham Lincoln, Route 66, and immersive county exhibits.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL
Showing times and prices for Jul 16
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$68
Fastest journey
7 h 55 m
Average duration
7 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
298 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL will cost around $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL without transferring at least once.
· 6:30 AM7h55Milwaukee, Intermodal Station2:25 PMBloomington, Normal Railway Station$681One-way1 transfer
- · 6:30 AM7h55Milwaukee, Intermodal Station2:25 PMBloomington, Normal Railway Station$681One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 37m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $48, and a bus costs an average of $58.
Distance: 185 miles (298 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$79 Average price | $57 Average price Cheapest | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 41m Average total duration 9h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL is a train with an average price of $57 (€47).
This is compared to other travel options from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL:
A train is $21 (€17) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL costing on average $79 (€65).
The fastest way to travel from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL is by train with an average journey time of 3h 37m.
Other travel options to Bloomington, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 11m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Milwaukee, WI and Bloomington, IL including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $99 |
Live departures
Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL buses for tomorrow, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| · | 6:30 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 7h55 | 2:25 PM Bloomington, Normal Railway Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 9h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $58 (€48) but you can travel from only $48 (€40) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 14:35. The fastest bus covers the 185 miles (298 km) distance in 7h 55m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $48 (€40)
Distance 185 miles (298 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 (€48) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 7h 55m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 2:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $48 (€40)
Complete guide to Bloomington, IL
Things to do in Bloomington, IL
Discover the best of Bloomington, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bloomington, IL trip today.
- Recommended
Children's Discovery Museum
Children’s museum with hands-on science, art, and play exhibits in Uptown Normal; ideal for families and interactive learning.
- Recommended
University Galleries of Illinois State University
University museum with rotating contemporary art, student work, and traveling exhibitions in a modern campus gallery.
- Must visit
Constitution Trail
Wide greenway trail favored for walking and biking, linking neighborhoods, schools, and parks across town.
- Recommended
Downtown Bloomington
Lively downtown district with historic buildings, shops, murals, and easy walking access to museums and performance venues.
- Recommended
Uptown Normal
Walkable mixed-use district in Normal with modern plazas, public art, events, and strong rail-and-campus energy.
Horseshoe Sandwich
The iconic Illinois horseshoe is thick toast topped with meat, fries, and cheese sauce. A hearty central Illinois comfort food locals love.
Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
A pork tenderloin sandwich features a breaded, fried cutlet larger than the bun. It is a beloved Midwestern diner and tavern staple in the area.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Sweet Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob highlights Illinois farm country. In season, sweet local corn is a simple regional favorite at cookouts, fairs, and family meals.
Lucca Grill
Historic casual spot famous for burgers and the original cheese balls. Lively, nostalgic atmosphere and a long-standing local following.
Shannon's Five Star
Beloved local breakfast and lunch cafe known for hearty American classics, pies, and friendly small-town diner charm.
Epiphany Farms Restaurant
Upscale American dining in a restored historic building. Known for steaks, seafood, and polished service in an elegant setting.
United States Dollar ($)
Moderate for U.S. Midwest travel. Hotels and dining are usually below big-city prices, while transport often requires a car or rideshare, adding to visitor costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $8-15 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $40+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $3-6 for coffee or a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for good service. Some bills include gratuity, so check first.
FAQs: Bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bloomington, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL can start from as little as $58 (€48) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL is $79 (€65) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL is 7h 55m to travel the 185 miles (298 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL leaves at 5:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL leaves at 2:35 PM.
A trip to Bloomington, IL from Milwaukee, WI is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Milwaukee, WI and Bloomington, IL including taking a train and bus.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL.
No, the bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL has no accessibility options.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bloomington, IL are:
- McLean County Museum of History, a museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of McLean County with exhibits and educational programs
- Miller Park Zoo, a family-friendly zoo featuring a variety of animals and interactive exhibits
- David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, a restored Victorian mansion offering guided tours and insights into 19th-century life
- Constitution Trail, a scenic multi-use trail perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling through Bloomington-Normal
- Prairie Aviation Museum, a museum showcasing aviation history with aircraft displays and educational exhibits.
The best things to do in Bloomington, IL include:
- Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, a venue hosting a variety of performances including theater, music, and dance
- Upper Limits Rock Gym, an indoor climbing facility offering climbing challenges for all skill levels
- Ewing Cultural Center, a beautiful estate with gardens and cultural events
- Grady's Family Fun Park, an amusement park with go-karts, mini-golf, and arcade games
- Rader Family Farms, a seasonal attraction featuring a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and family-friendly activities.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL.
No, luggage for the bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL.
Since neither Milwaukee, WI nor Bloomington, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Bloomington, IL, travelers should be cautious of common urban safety concerns such as petty theft, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Scams involving overcharging by unofficial taxi services or ride-shares can occur, so using licensed transportation providers is recommended. Travelers should also stay aware of their surroundings at night and avoid isolated areas to ensure personal safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL
Most Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL buses use the Milwaukee, Intermodal Station to Bloomington, Normal Railway Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Milwaukee, WI and Bloomington, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Milwaukee
Arrival bus stations in Bloomington
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Milwaukee, Intermodal Station from Milwaukee city centre
Bus57 · 4m · $5 · every ~4 min
Wisconsin Coach Lines · 6m · $4
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop)
City-centre transport
Getting to Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) from Milwaukee city centre
BusWisconsin Coach Lines · 10m · $6
Gre · 19m · $4 · every ~8 min
Gre · 27m · $4 · every ~8 min
Gre · 29m · $4 · every ~8 min
Most popular bus connections from Milwaukee, WI
More options for your journey from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bloomington, IL and Milwaukee, WI
Most popular bus connections to Bloomington, IL
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